Union Contractual Question

[texastoast]

My son went to work for a UFCW grocery store. He is 15 years old. When he signed up at the store's orientation/training, he had no idea he was joining a union.

I don't want him to be in the union now because he only works about 10 hours a week and the dues are taking about half his take-home pay. Later, if/when he is working more hours, membership would be fine with me.

I don't think any contractual obligations from his signature are valid because he is not of age to make a contract.

Does this sound right? Thoughts or other comments?

Thanks!

[LakeSamish706]

1. I would guess that the grocery store may have whats known as a...

"Closed Shop".... In other words, in order to work there you have to be a member of the union.... Thats the way it is in many unions and thats the way it was in the union that I spent many years in.

[Omaha Steve]

2. It depends on what state you are in

If you are in a closed shop state, he has to belong to the union to work at the store.

[texastoast]

3. No, it is not a closed shop

Working at that store is not dependent on being in the union.

[LakeSamish706]

4. If thats the case then he should be free to opt out of the Union. n/t

[Omaha Steve]

5. That could depend on the union rules

Some unions only offer a short period of say two weeks per year to (you have to ask in writing) drop out. The NLRB backs that up. But the age thing, could be another story. Can't help you there.

[TexasProgresive]

6. SInce you call yourself texastoast

maybe you live in Texas which is a "right to work" state. That means there are no closed shops. Now, I would like to make a pitch that he remain in the union anyway and perhaps you could subsidize him a bit, not 100% of the dues but some. It would be better if the union based the dues as a percentage of hours worked for part time employees.

[texastoast]

7. I would be fine with that

But they are taking full-time dues from him. I've got a call in to the rep, so I will mention your suggestion (thanks for that). And yes, Texas is a right-to-work state (surprise!).